Friday, March 11, 2011

Today's quake and tsunami in Japan have left hundreds dead and hundreds more missing.Millions of homes are without electricity. The quake stopped commuter trains in the capital, shut down the mobile phone network and severely disrupted landline phone service. The magnitude 8.9 quake and 23-foot tsunami were followed by more than 50 aftershocks for hours, many of them of more than magnitude 6.0.

The Japan America Society of Pennsylvania is partnering with Pittsburgh-based Brother's Brother Foundation to respond to requested needs of the residents of Japan. Steve Ceurvorst is the chairman of the Japan America Society which is based in Pittsburgh. He says the organization builds upon the historical relationship between Japan and the U.S., particularly in Western Pennsylvania "on a business level, an education level and a cultural level."Ceurvorst told DUQ News his initial reaction is "one of concern for colleagues and loved ones who live in Japan and sadness that they have to suffer through this tragedy."According to Ceurvorst, his organization worked with Brother's Brother in 1995 following the Kobe, Japan earthquake. That lasted 30 seconds and caused $100 billion in damage. He expects the damage from this earthquake and tsunami to far exceed that figure."We are very proud to again work with Brother's Brother to raise money for victims in Japan and we will work with them to assure that 100% of that money gets to the right place to do the most good."Brother's Brother has provided more than $4 billion of medical supplies, textbooks, food, seeds and other humanitarian supplies to people around the world in more than 140 countries over the last 53 years.